Columns

The aim of a new grassroots alliance, the Scottish Football Supporters Association, is to 'reclaim the game' for ordinary people and communities – to give Scottish football a real 'democratic moment', says Simon Barrow. This is important culturally and politically, not just for those who like sport. Community ownership and engagement is a core part of the new organisation's purpose.

Some Christians believe the Hebrew bible clearly rules out same-sex relationships and emphasises distinct roles based on sex at birth. Savi Hensman suggests this may be interpreted differently and considers how the first chapters of Genesis could be read as recognising and rejoicing in the diversity of living beings.

The response of many politicians to the Bishops' general election letter leaves us all with questions to answer, says Jill Segger. She asks if we are ready to meet the challenge of a vision beyond polemic and party interest.

The Church of England will shortly be ordaining a woman as bishop for the first time. This has been widely welcomed. But many were baffled to learn of the novel way in which a male bishop will be ordained not long afterwards. Savi Hensman explores the differences, and the underlying issues of church polity in a changing cultural context.

We have suddenly become a world that talks about inequality. That's certainly better than not talking about it. But waxing lyrical about a concern and doing something about it are not the same thing, says Simon Barrow, pointing to the deeper issues calling for action.

Academics and church leaders are among those mourning the loss of Edward Farley, a scholar and writer of "constructive theology", who died at the end of last year (2014) at the age of 85. Simon Barrow looks at his legacy and significance for practical and applied theology.

Has the usual seasonal avalanche of "they're trying to ban Christmas!" stories abated somewhat, at least in Britain? Simon Barrow looks at the evidence and asks what it says to us about the church and Christianity in an emerging post-Chrstendom era.

International controversy has been sparked by debates on sexual ethics and the treatment of minoritites. This is often portrayed as conlict between a ‘liberal’ west and ‘conservative’ south. But the reality is more complicated, says Savi Hensman

In his 2014 book 'The Great and Holy War: How World War I changed religion forever' author and academic Philip Jenkins paints a picture of faith, and especially Christian faith, mired in blood. Is there a way out after Christendom?